Office Hours

Sunday Reflection

In the Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples, ‘Who do you say I am?’ It is a deeply personal question! Peter gets the answer right when he says, ‘You are the Messiah’. But he doesn’t understand the implications of that answer. For Peter, the Messiah is a conquering hero, an over thrower of the occupying Roman government and its army. That is not who Jesus is. It is a crisis of faith for Peter – where his long held religious belief in Messiah-ship is challenged by the one who actually is the Messiah, albeit a very different one than Peter was expecting.

Peter’s confusion and agitation is understandable. Anyone who takes their faith seriously will encounter a moment (or moments) when their beliefs are shaken and their world turned upside down. In the letter to St. James, there is a link made to one’s faith and one’s works. When we are active in the world, life (let’s call it our works or our lived activity) brings situations that challenge our faith. I often think of those whose relationships end in separation and divorce; or those who become sick; or those who live with the aftermath of abortion; or those who suffer betrayal. These and many other life situations challenge us, and our faith.

In every challenging situation, Jesus’ question comes back to us: “Who do you say I am?” In other words, we may ask, “Where are you God?” or the more famous question, “Why, God?” These and other similar questions are all asking the same thing … who is Jesus?

This is not to reduce Jesus to some relativistic meaning. The truth of Jesus as Son of God and our Saviour endures. But, like any relationship that changes over time, our relationship with Jesus also changes. For many people, it is only in their own times of suffering, that they come to know Jesus in his suffering.

The question, “Who do you say that I am?” is not a question that should shake us to the point of despair. Rather, it is a question that invites us to meet Jesus again, in a new way, and grow deeper into relationship with him. Let us pray that unlike Peter, we will be open to discovering Jesus anew.

Fr. Tony Bidgood, CSsR, Associate Pastor, St. Mary’s Parish

Bulletin Announcements

ST. MARY’S PARISH HARVEST SUPPER

Sunday, September 27th

St. Mary’s Hall, 5.00 p.m.

Tickets are available at the rectory during office hours or by calling Sylvia at 382-4390

The committee once again anticipates your generous donation of dill pickles, beet pickles, carrots, tomatoes, coffee, sugar, tea and pies. Drop off on Saturday, September 26th or Sunday, September 27th after 9:30 a.m.

HELP WANTED! Helpers are needed on September 25th to peel potatoes Friday starting at 9:30 a.m. and making cabbage rolls Friday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Many hands are also needed for set-up and getting ready Saturday starting at 9:30 a.m.

Thanks to everyone for your generosity and support!

HEALTHCARE MASS—HEALING AND WHOLENESS: THE GIFTS THAT WE BRING

The Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan invites all the faithful of the Diocese to attend this celebration, formerly known as the “White Mass”. This annual event is celebrated in appreciation for: Catholic medical personnel, health care workers, volunteers and all those involved in health care ministry in parishes and health facilities. The Mass will be held here at St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday, September 16th at 7:00 p.m. followed by a reception in the hall. Homilist is Bishop Bryan Bayda, C.Ss.R. Traditionally, health care workers wore white attire. Liturgically, white symbolizes new life and comfort to the sick and dying. Come celebrate with us by wearing white clothing as a sign of solidarity with health care workers.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME AN ALTAR SERVER?

To become an altar server, any boy or girl who has received First Communion is welcome to come to our first gathering of the season on Saturday, September 12th. All meetings will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the church, followed by a lunch. We invite youth in the parish who have received First Communion and are interested in becoming an altar server, to please call the parish office at 244-2983 for information.

SENIORS’ IN MOTION

All ladies and gentlemen of the parish are welcome to join our exercise group each Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Hall beginning on Monday, September 21st. An active lifestyle can benefit your physical health. It prevents and can help to manage osteoporosis, heart disease, falls, diabetes and mental health. Our program includes stretching, weights, cardiovascular, elastic band and cool down exercises. Come on out and join us for a fun filled hour of exercise and socializing! Call Fern at 384-6318 for more information.

UNITING IN FAITH UPDATE

This past summer, we distributed pledge forms and surveys to all parishioners of St. Mary’s, so that you could make a pledge to the Cathedral and Pastoral Centre Campaign if you so desired. We asked that your survey be returned to the parish office, even if you chose not to contribute. We are asking all parishioners, if you have not already done so, to return the completed surveys to the parish at this time. We will begin calling all parishioners who have not returned the survey within the next few weeks. Thank you for your support!

MINISTRY OF CARE

To all Volunteers: Thank you for continuing your visits to the homebound during the summer. Whenever you spend some time with the lonely, you are blessing them with your love and your care. Please plan to attend the Healthcare Mass on Wednesday, September 16th at 7:00 p.m. The volunteers of Ministry of Care are included in the appreciation for the gifts that we bring. Attention: Prayer Shawl Team—we will meet in the upper meeting room on Tuesday, September 15th at 1:00 p.m. Newcomers welcome!!

PREPARATION FOR FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST COMMUNION

We are now inviting all parents and guardians who desire their child to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (confession) and First Communion to register between September 15th and October 23rd. You may register in person at the parish office during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by phone at 244-2983.

REDEMPTORIST PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS

Each Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. the Redemptorists offer Perpetual Help devotions on Vision TV.

DAILY MASS ON VISION TV

Watch daily Mass on Vision TV at 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., Monday to Friday and at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday.